 FOWLER WOODS
STATE NATURE PRESERVE - 187 ACRES
Main Feature:
Old growth woods with excellent spring wildflowers.
Fowler Woods is is an excellent example of a beech-maple community, grading into swamp forest on the lower ground.
Several low areas are water-covered most of the year and occupied by large buttonbush swamps.The numerous buttonbush swamps and woodland pools scattered throughout Fowler Woods support a wide diversity of breeding amphibians during the spring and early summer months.
This nature preserve is one of the best sites in Ohio for viewing spring wildflowers. Especially notable are the spectacular displays of marsh marigolds in April. Later in May the forest floor is blanketed with an outstanding diversity of spring wildflowers including trilliums, violets, Dutchman's breeches, jack-in-the-pulpit, spring beauty and phlox.
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| marsh marigold |
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| trillium |
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gray treefrog
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The woodlands support a variety of nesting birds including red-headed woodpecker, ovenbird, redstart and scarlet tanager. This is one of the few areas in north central Ohio where one can still hear the haunting song of the veery.
The preserve has a handicapped accessible boardwalk which provides access. The 1-1/4 mile loop boardwalk trail begins at the parking lot. The site also features parking lot and observation tower.
Spring and fall are the best times to visit Fowler Woods to avoid biting insects.
Location:
Richland County, 13 miles north of Mansfield. From the north or south take State Rte 13 to Noble Rd, go east on Noble Rd approximately 1- 1/4 miles to Olivesburg-Fitchville Rd, then south to the preserve's parking lot, which is located on the west side of the road.
Abide by Preserve Rules at all times
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